Shifting Gears
I find it difficult to write poems about sports. It took me a while to write this, and it is about one of my favourite sports, cycling. I used to do off-road riding during most weekends, but recently have cut down considerably. Firstly, there are no more off road tracks near my home (making way for high-rise homes for the people), the few trails that are left are far away. Then I have this little angioplasty operation. But that will not stop me from riding...
photo by dsnake1
Shifting Gears
The sun beats down on the bike track
that stretches before me
like a brown, sunburnt snake.
i check the meter on the MTB
and pedals off the start line,
knobby tires crunching gravel
the click of shifting gears
loud in the hot air,
forks eating up the bumps
provides scant comfort
to numb arms
clutching rattling bars,
dirt dug out in clumps
as the bike lurches and brakes.
a faint cloud of dust tags
like exhaust smoke
behind the rider,
muscles straining
the momentum carrying me
over humps, sand , fallen twigs
past wild flowering shrubs,
lightning blackened trees,
as crows overhead caw
in agitated flight
as i loop the course
to return
15 minutes something seconds,
to the shifting down of gears
the clicks lost
in bre a t h l e ss
sweat
drenched
exhilaration.
19.03.2006
**********
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels."
-- Heinz Stucke, traveler and long distance touring cyclist.
© cheong lee san ( dsnake1 ) 2018
Shifting Gears
The sun beats down on the bike track
that stretches before me
like a brown, sunburnt snake.
i check the meter on the MTB
and pedals off the start line,
knobby tires crunching gravel
the click of shifting gears
loud in the hot air,
forks eating up the bumps
provides scant comfort
to numb arms
clutching rattling bars,
dirt dug out in clumps
as the bike lurches and brakes.
a faint cloud of dust tags
like exhaust smoke
behind the rider,
muscles straining
the momentum carrying me
over humps, sand , fallen twigs
past wild flowering shrubs,
lightning blackened trees,
as crows overhead caw
in agitated flight
as i loop the course
to return
15 minutes something seconds,
to the shifting down of gears
the clicks lost
in bre a t h l e ss
sweat
drenched
exhilaration.
19.03.2006
**********
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels."
-- Heinz Stucke, traveler and long distance touring cyclist.
© cheong lee san ( dsnake1 ) 2018
posted by dsnake1 at 8:55 PM
19 Comments:
I feel as if I was right there with you! I think you captured well all aspects of the ride.
Great piece - makes me want to hop on a bike
Mary,
thank you! most of my commutes now are within the city. :(
Jae,
:)
thanks!
You did a wonderful job with this, perhaps there will be more?
I know so much of bicycling... being fortunate enough to be able to do it every day (but my gears are not as fine as yours.... )
Love the way you portray the perfection of your machine
I remember that exhilaration. How sad that those bike paths are gone. I remember how you loved them. So sorry to hear about the angioplasty operation. Hope that fixed you up. Take good care.
Thanks for the ride! Long ago, before my knees gave out, I loved riding at dusk. I miss it still.
I could definitely feel the ride and hear the sounds of the gears clicking into place. I enjoy going for a bike ride.
annell,
thank you!
i can try. :)
but at the moment i am writing some frightening stuff.
Bjorn,
i have not ride off-road for some time now, and my bike is a bit worn off from all that use (abuse?). but now travelling about town is easy as there are many bikes around from shared bike schemes, and most are usually free-to-ride.
Sherry,
thanks! i really missed those bike paths.
the operation went well, just have to watch the diet more carefully. :)
indybev,
i know how a cyclist feels. :)
Truedessa,
yes, going on a bike ride, whether with a group of friends, or alone, is a fun thing. you really leave your work and other distractions behind. :)
I could truly feel the ride and hear the sounds of the gears clicking into place. Beautifully done!💖
thank you, Sanaa. :)
I remember the exhilaration too, especially when winds blew and I didn't need to peddle - I felt as free as a bird.
I don't think I have ridden bike for over thirty years - perhaps I should reinvest in one...
Anna :o]
I never took to cycling, unlike most kids and many adults – but your vivid evocation makes me better understand its appeal.
PS I hope it proves to be good exercise for your heart.
Anna,
yes, you can feel as free as a bird. i think if one is physically fit, cycling is a good form of exercise. you won't regret getting back on the saddle. :)
Rosemary,
yes, the doctor told me it is a good form of exercise for my condition, provided i don't over-exert it.
This is a glorious piece of spirited writing. I think you translated the riding experience onto paper, brilliantly. Loved it!
thank you, Wendy. :)
Off topic – could you please email me at rosemary dot lifemagic at gmail dot com so that I can ask for your insights re a projected "Moonlight Musings" feature I have in mind? Or send me a facebook or Google+ message if that works better for you. Thanks.
just sent you a mail today. so sorry for this late reply. :)
Post a Comment
<< Home